The Mystery of Easter is the mystery of Jesus Christ, His Salutary Holy Blood shed for mankind and His Rising from the dead for mankind. The Son of God should incarnate, be subjected to tortures, be crucified, buried and the third day raise from death

(Ps 15:9-11, 29:4, 40:11-13, 117:16-17, Ho 6:2-3).

Day 1 - April 16, 2019

Early arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Yerevan assisting you in hotel; check-in and other formalities. Rest time

Breakfast served

Yerevan City Tour – Our trip today begins with Yerevan – the capital and one of the most ancient cities in the world – Erebouni Fortress which was founded in 782 BC. Continuing the city tour, our second stop is Tsitsernakaberd memorial and museum to the 1915 Genocide, the most important monument in Yerevan today.

“MEGERIAN RUGS” Factory & Show room: Which brings together time-honored traditions and a range of exquisite aesthetics to create objects of art for the modern living and you will become acquainted with the ancient technology of Armenian carpet-making. Today the lunchwill be provided at a special restaurant in Megerian Carepet Factory where you will have the opportunity to taste Armenian traditional meals with old recipes by “Araratyan Khohanots – Armenian Cuisine”.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 2 - April 17, 2019

Breakfast served

An interesting trip to one of the regions of Armenia: Aragatsotn Region which is situated overlooking the slopes of the highest of present day Armenia – here you can find numerous churches as well as various ancient buildings at every turn. Artashavan – New Complex of Armenian Letters: “It is difficult to express the deep feeling Armenians have for their language, which many regard as the lifeblood of their culture”.

Next, in our journey is the visit with psalms to the monastery of Psalm-Saghmosavank. In silence it seems the ancient psalms are still echoed in its walls. Along the way, you will see the most beautiful and the highest mountain peaks in Armenia, Mt. Aragats. Enjoylunchand hospitality with of an Armenian Family. Visiting the village of Oshakan, you will see the wonderful church which is built over the grave of Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, and one of the greatest benefactors of the Armenian people.

CULTURAL PERFORMANCE: witness the inimitable characteristics of various events, traditions and customs of different regions, as well as national and traditional dances of both Historical Armenia and present day Armenia.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 3 - April 18, 2019

Breakfast served

HOLY THURSDAY: FOOT WASHING SERVICE

Christ, displaying true humility and humbleness, washed the feet of his disciples after the last Supper (Jn 13:1-16).

Garni the rare pre-Christian pagan temple maintained in Armenia; is a unique way to acquaint you with the time of the pagan religion in Armenia as there is no other example today.

Arch of Charents

Geghard (Cave monastery) (UNESCO) architectural complex (12-13th centuries), carved out of one monolithic rock. Due to the extraordinary acoustics, when the local monk begins to sing in this chamber it is hard to believe a large choir isn’t singing… be aware it is only one man… A visit to Geghard is truly a spiritual experience.

Lunch in Geghard – traditional table/lavash making ceremony:

In the evening: SOLEMN SERVICE IN GEGHARD MONASTERY

In the evening of Holy Thursday, a solemn service is held. It celebrates the Betrayal, Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 4 - April 19, 2019

Breakfast served

GOOD FRIDAY

But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 26:63).

Driving via the fertile plains of the Ararat valley you reach “Areni Winery” as in Armenia: “Wine is bottled poetry”; you’ll taste and enjoy a guided winery tour.

After this take the path through the narrow gorge, which reveals “Natural and manmade wonders”- Noravank Monastery. Lunch in Noravank Monastery.

Khor Virap Monastery – nestled in the valley is this Monastery where the beginning of the History of the Christian nation in Armenia, magnificently set against the towering slopes of the Biblical Mountain of Ararat. It is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and is a pilgrimage destination for all Christian believers. It is especially a time to reflect upon the work of our Church’s patron saint, Gregory the Illuminator, who spread the light of Christ in Armenia and inspired King Trdat to proclaim Christianity as state religion in 301, which has had a determinate impact on the Armenian people and their history.

In the evening: SOLEMN SERVICE OF GOOD FRIDAY in Church of the Holy Mother of God/KHOR VIRAP

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 5 - April 20, 2019

Breakfast served

HOLY SATURDAY

Matenadaran Library and Research Institute of Armenia with its 17000 rare manuscripts, one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world. “Victory” Park with panoramic view of Yerevan and Mt. Ararat. “Vernissage” – outdoor market selling handmade arts and crafts.

Lunch in Yerevan

In the evening:

The feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ (the Easter Feast) starts this evening and is continued after midnight.

CANDLELIGHT Service and DIVINE LITURGY in the church of the Holy Trinity, in Yerevan.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 6 - April 21, 2019

Breakfast served

EASTER PROCESSION, EASTER LITURGY

Christ rose from the dead, by means of His Death He destroyed Death and granted eternal life. “I am the Resurrection and I am the Life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn 11:25).

Today we embark on our journey to the land of ancient treasures of Christian history – (UNESCO) At the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the “religious capital” and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholics of all Armenians. Participation in DIVINE LITURGY.

It has 4 main churches, including the Cathedral. Built in 303AD, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Armenian classical architecture and considered to be one of the world’s earliest Christian churches. Admire the Monasteries of Sts. Hripsime andGayane Churches (7th c) dedicated to these faithful virgins, 3rd-century followers of Christ who were martyred.

Magnificent ruins of Zvartnots (celestial angels) Cathedral (7th c) which will show you the uniqueness of the Armenian church architecture, where once stood an impressive three-tiered circular structure with a spectacular central dome.

Lunch in Etchmiadzin

Return Yerevan

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN

Day 7 - April 22, 2019

Breakfast served

No trip to Armenia is ever complete without a visit to the blue waters of Lake Sevan – “The Emerald of Armenia”, set some 1900m above sea level, situated high in the mountains and famed for its glorious and ever changing hues. Upon arrival, you will stop by the lakeside churches on top of the peninsula and admire a spectacularly picturesque scene overlooking the lake and distant mountains. Continuing our journey across Armenia’s fascinating landscapes we travel to the lush environs of Dilijan – “a piece of Switzerland” in Armenia and one of Armenia’s most appealing resort towns. The town is peppered with numerous examples of traditional Armenian architecture and the romantic settings of the 10-13th centuries, such as Goshavank Monastery, which we’ll visit.